Used Minoxidil for 6 weeks - ok to stop? TE & AGA (Photo)

Question

Hi, I started minoxidil (used for 6 weeks) and then stopped recently. I was diagnosed with TE and have early signs of AGA. Frontal & Vertex = 88% ter / 12% V Occ = 96% ter / 4% velus left = 86% / 14% villus Can I stop minoxidil or is that too risky?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When it comes to using minoxidil, especially in cases of telogen effluvium (TE) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA), it is generally recommended to continue treatment to maintain any progress and prevent further hair loss. Stopping minoxidil can lead to a shedding phase as the hair that has been maintained or regrown may fall out.

Since you've only used minoxidil for 6 weeks, it's important to note that it typically takes several months to see significant results. If you stop now, you might not only lose any potential gains but also experience a return to your baseline or further hair loss.

However, the decision to continue or stop treatment should be based on a thorough discussion with your dermatologist, considering factors such as your specific condition, treatment goals, and any side effects you may be experiencing. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to tailor the best approach for your situation.

Ross Kopelman, DO · Answer

If you’ve been using minoxidil for only 6 weeks and are considering stopping, it’s important to weigh the risks carefully, especially with both telogen effluvium (TE) and early signs of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) present.
Minoxidil can be particularly helpful in both conditions by stimulating hair follicles to stay in the growth phase and promoting thicker hair. Since you’ve only been using it for a short time, stopping now may risk losing the potential benefits that typically show after 3 to 6 months of consistent use. Discontinuing minoxidil can also lead to shedding of the hair it helped sustain, which might exacerbate your TE or AGA symptoms.
Given your hair density percentages, with a mix of terminal and vellus hairs, continuing with minoxidil could help maintain or even improve your hair density in the long term. If you stop now, you may miss out on these benefits, and the hair you’ve retained so far may begin to thin again.

Used Minoxidil for 6 weeks - ok to stop? TE & AGA (Photo)

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Used Minoxidil for 6 weeks - ok to stop? TE & AGA (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.